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To Accomplish vs Accomplishing Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To accomplish (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to accomplish" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to accomplish my goals by working hard.

Accomplishing (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "accomplishing" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Accomplishing tasks efficiently is essential for success.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To accomplish (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To accomplish great things requires determination and perseverance.

    To accomplish great things requires determination and perseverance.

    • "*To accomplish* great things" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (determination and perseverance).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to accomplish the task before the deadline.

    She wants me to accomplish the task before the deadline.

    • "Me *to accomplish* the task before the deadline" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to accomplish* the task before the deadline).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    He needs a clear plan to accomplish his objectives.

    He needs a clear plan to accomplish his objectives.

    • "*To accomplish* his objectives" modifies the noun "plan."
    • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a clear plan *to accomplish* his objectives).

Accomplishing (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Accomplishing difficult tasks requires dedication and skill.

    Accomplishing difficult tasks requires dedication and skill.

    • "*Accomplishing* difficult tasks" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (dedication and skill).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy accomplishing challenging projects.

    I enjoy accomplishing challenging projects.

    • "*Accomplishing* challenging projects" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*accomplishing* challenging projects).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a talent for accomplishing difficult goals.

    She has a talent for accomplishing difficult goals.

    • "For *accomplishing* difficult goals" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a talent for *accomplishing* difficult goals).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

She plans to accomplish her project by the end of the month.

They hope to accomplish their dreams in the future.

He wants to accomplish his mission and make a difference.

We decided to accomplish our goals together as a team.

They agreed to accomplish the task before the deadline.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys accomplishing tasks that challenge her abilities.

They recommend accomplishing small tasks first to build confidence.

I dislike the feeling of not accomplishing my goals.

He avoids accomplishing unnecessary tasks that waste time.

Can you imagine yourself accomplishing your wildest dreams?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to accomplish her goals one step at a time. She likes accomplishing challenging tasks.

We started to accomplish our objectives with a clear plan. We started accomplishing our tasks with determination.

He began to accomplish his dreams by taking action. He began accomplishing his goals by setting small targets.

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